Sociology hybrid Theories on Media by Kate Elizabeth

Definition of pluralism

katieelizabeth — 2025-10-08 06:58:31 UTC

Pluralism is the political theory that believes that political decision making is done by the government, however many non governmental groups exert their influence which may impact governmental decision making. In this case, these non-governmental groups could voice their opinion through the media.

Key Features & Sociologists

katieelizabeth — 2025-10-08 07:18:10 UTC

KEY FEATURES

1. A key feature of pluralism in regarding to media is information diversity.

Information diversity -> larger range of media, views, and types of consumers.

2. Another feature is innovation and diversity.

Pluralism also emphasises that their is a strong connection between media consumers and their ideology. Due to this, media is marketed, thus owners compete for headlines to generate profit. This means that the consumers are active and has an important position in the media. Which concludes that media owners demand that their media provide what the consumer wants.

Old media may have larger audience then newer media due to the reputation of trustworthiness.
Competition does not mean media diversity

SOCIOLOGISTS

Murdock and Golding (1977) -> separation of interests between owners and controllers is more of an illusion, as owners hold strong influence on what gets published. Therefore 'controlling' the 'controller'.
Major shareholders also exert influence

Quote

katieelizabeth — 2025-10-08 07:19:55 UTC

“Media content reflects the diversity of society because audiences have choice and influence over what is produced.”

Metaphor

katieelizabeth — 2025-10-08 07:20:59 UTC

Media operates like a “marketplace of ideas,”

2025-10-08 07:40:17 UTC

Definition of the theory: Neo Marxism refers to the newer framework of the traditional Marxist ideas. It includes a more modern approach. They believe that the media is used to influence but by a forceful manner, instead through hegemonic agendas. Media owners don't necessarily control content directly, but media still circulates ruling class idealogy
Key features and sociologists: hegemonic influence, modern ideas and theories. Sociologists: Stuart Hall
Real-world media examples: News and other media will only show the surface level of information, possibly fabricating other information for good publicity and social order.
One quote or concept: Hegemony – The ruling class maintains control by shaping ideas and values through media
A visual metaphor or symbol: A puppet master controlling minds through TV strings

Definition of Marxism

katieelizabeth — 2025-10-09 02:29:29 UTC

Marxism refers to the political and economic theory of Karl Marx and Friederich Engels. It uses the critique of capitalism and eventual classlessness, communist society.